US fighter jets scrambled to intercept five Russian warplanes over Alaska

BREAKING

The American fighter jets were scrambled to intercept five Russian warplanes that were spotted off Alaska.

Two Tu-95 long-range strategic bombers, two Su-35 fighter planes, and one A-50 spy plane crossing Alaska’s coastal Air Defense Identification Zone were detected and tracked, according to US.

The North American Aerospace Defense Command said it had responded by launching two F-16s, two F-35s, one E-3, and four KC-135s to intercept the planes, positively identify them, and escort them out of the ADIZ.

The Russian activity in the zone was described by the command as a regular occurrence that was not considered a threat.

In September of last year a similar occurrence took place, as two Tu-95s and two Su-35s were spotted in the same zone, prompting defense command to send out an E-3 early warning and control aircraft, followed by four F-16s and four KC-135 tanker planes to lead them clear.

At the time, NORAD said that even though the presence of Russian aircraft in the zone was non-aggressive and common, it could still test the preparedness of the US and NATO.